Enrolling in The University of the South Pacific’s – Pacific Technical and Further Education (USP Pacific TAFE) Certificate IV in Project Management is ideal for augmenting knowledge, skills, and competencies in project work, says new course graduate, Amelia Bola.
Amelia, who is a Maritime Greenhouse Gas Officer at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, said the course allows students the chance to advance their careers.
“As someone well-versed with project work, taking up the courses was an ideal opportunity to polish and improve this skill set,” she said.
The opportunity to study at Pacific TAFE was made possible through the Fiji Women in Maritime Association (WIMA) via a fully-funded scholarship by USAID Climate Ready for interested Association members.
Despite the challenges of face-to-face learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amelia and 22 women successfully completed the course virtually.
“Working under pressure is an understatement as my colleagues and I juggled the change of pace in the workplace, seeing extra family necessities and communicating through limited technological means while trying to meet the demanding deadlines and objectives of this Certificate,” she said.
“A testament to the character of our all-women cohort achieving what we have despite the circumstances and hurdles this year threw at us and that is truly inspiring.”
100 of USP’s Pacific TAFE short courses have received full accreditation from the Continuing Professional Development Certification Service in the United Kingdom.
The Workforce Development and Training Unit of Pacific TAFE offer these short courses. The courses also receive external accreditation from the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC).
Amelia encourages working individuals to enrol in the Certificate IV in Project Management with Pacific TAFE, saying that further learning provided her with a fresh perspective and new skill set that allowed her to be more productive.
“I have been able to put what I have learned theoretically in this project management course into practice at work. This is what anyone endeavours when attaining a qualification – using what you have learned in school to add value in your workplace,” she said.
“The way the course has been designed with its tight deadlines of group assignments and online tests, and especially with learning how to work and manage in group settings, have helped prepare me for the similar and dynamic environment in the work field.”
USP’s Pacific TAFE is still accepting application for all its programmes including Foundation and Preliminary until 1 April 2022.
